Standard Maintained For Reducing Carbon Emissions

17 June 2013

Costain has successfully renewed its certification as an organisation that strives to accurately report on and reduce its carbon emissions.

Following its 2012 certification to the Certified Emissions Measurement And Reduction Scheme (CEMARS), it has again achieved the standard, demonstrating that Costain has accurately measured its greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with ISO 14064-1:2006 and is committed to managing and reducing those emissions.

The Company had to demonstrate to the certification body that it was undertaking actions that were effectively reducing emissions, said Carbon Co-ordinator, Claire Baker.

Actions undertaken over the year to reduce carbon emissions have included:

• an Energy Awareness Week last November that led to average reductions of 2-5% in electricity usage across the business;

• installation of energy-efficient LED lighting and other energy saving technologies at various locations. In head office, at Maidenhead, the retrofitted LEDs will provide savings of approximately £3000 and 17 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year;

• continued implementation of green transport plans on all sites to promote sustainable transport options;

• promotion of conference-calling and the 5p per mile car-sharing incentive which has led to a 51% rise in conference call minutes and a reduction in mileage claimed throughout the year;

• promotion of low-carbon measures throughout the supply chain.

One of the main challenges with this year’s re-certification was the inclusion of the 2011 acquisitions into the Group ‘carbon footprint’. Collecting the extensive carbon data necessary required input from numerous parties across the business. This was successful and the acquisitions have now been fully integrated into the Costain Carbon Reporting Processes.

The Company is also working on a climate change strategy, due to be introduced later this year, which will guide the way the Company will reduce its own emissions as well as those of our customers through providing innovative solutions.

Overall, Costain is continuing to work towards its pledge to reduce carbon emissions by 55% by 2020, over a 2009 baseline measurement.

The calculations for 2012 that have been recertified by CEMARS exclude joint ventures or work undertaken outside the UK. During 2013 the Company will strive to expand the footprint to include these.